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Atari Explorer Online Issue 1992 16
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE MAGAZINE
------------------------------
Published and Copyright (c)1992, Atari Corporation
1972-1992 - 20 Years Of Service
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, California 94088
AEO STAFF
~ Editor In-Chief......................................Ron Kovacs
~ Contributing Editor...................................Ed Krimen
~ Contributing Writer...................................Bob Smith
~ Research/AtariNet Coordinator........................Bill Scull
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
~ President, Atari Corporation........................Sam Tramiel
~ VP Software Development.........................Leonard Tramiel
~ Developer Relations Manager........................Bill Rehbock
~ Director, Marketing Services.........................Don Thomas
~ Director of Communications...........................Bob Brodie
~ Corporate Director, International Music Markets....James Grunke
~ Atari Explorer Magazine............................Mike Lindsay
~ AtariUser Magazine....................................John Nagy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
October 3, 1992 Volume 1, Number 16 Issue #16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
| | | TABLE OF CONTENTS | | |
||| The Editors Desk...........................Ron Kovacs
||| UseNet/Internet Flow Control................Ed Krimen
||| WAACE Atarifest Info....................Press Release
||| The Amateur Atari Press....................Tim Duarte
||| Access Charges/Modem Fees Update.....................
||| AtariWatch Calendar..................................
||| GEnie Flow Control..........................Ed Krimen
||| Eidsvoog In Conference..........................GEnie
||| GEnie RT News........................................
| | | THE EDITORS DESK
| | | By Ron Kovacs
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
This is the last regular weekly release. We are returning to BI-WEEKLY
issues with issue #17. We understand the need for providing the best
information on a timely basis, but due to the NEW projects and product
Atari is developing at the present time, it is difficult to produce
AEO issues.
However, we will return to a weekly format in a few months, so stay
tuned!
The next AEO issue will be released on October 17, 1992.
| | | USENET/INTERNET: FLOW CONTROL
| | | Compiled by Ed Krimen
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
BOSTON COMPUTER SOCIETY SHOWS FALCON030
---------------------------------------
-=> In: comp.sys.atari.st
-=> From: peters@allvax.enet.dec.com (Don Peters)
-=> Date: 25 Sep 92 19:07:28 GMT
Steven Selick did an excellent job of reporting on the introduction of
the Falcon 030 at the recent meeting of the Boston Computer Society. I
was also there, and have a few additional comments.
- there were about 125 in attendance in the hall
- there was one Falcon in the lobby demoing a MIDI application. The
fellow using it said he was from Dr. T, and just got the machine two
days ago. It had 4 meg.
- there were 3 Falcons near the front stage. All looked like production
machines.
- the term "personal integrated media" was mentioned several times, and
will probably be used many times in the future by Atari
- speedwise, the Falcon is equivalent to a 25-30Mhz 386 machine
- a 19.2K bps modem is now being implemented for the Falcon
- with a box, the Falcon will be able to do CD photo applications
(nothing on who will make the box or what will be in it)
- one of the demos shown on the projection screen was a 20 channel
equalizer. Bill Rehbock was adjusting the channels in real time so
the adjustment effect could be heard.
- the two games to come bundled with the Falcon, Land Mines and
Breakout, will utilize true color mode
- voice mail (from a NeXT programmer) and video phone applications "are
coming"
- James Grunke mentioned that after spending $400 on a monitor and $800
for an adapter, one could use all 8 stereo channels at once, making
the cost about $300 per channel. (assumes a $1300 Falcon)
- why only 16 bits for true color? They felt 16 bits was sufficient and
challenged anyone to see the difference between it and 24 bits in real
world images
- Atari will "definitely" have a US 800 number for user help (didn't say
when though)
- a little box to interface the DSP to the phone line is being developed
and should be available by the first quarter of 93
- in many respects the Falcon is more powerful than the Video Toaster,
containing 98% of its functionality. The cost of the Falcon plus any
associated software/hardware will be less in cost than the Video
Toaster itself.
- a 1 Meg Falcon is a viable system, since the operating system takes
only a small amount of RAM (from Bill Rehbock) (he didn't say how
much, but I believe he did use the word "miniscule".
- 386DX and 386SX boards are now being worked on in Germany (I think he
said 486 also)
- the Spectre board will fit within the Falcon, for those who are
worried about the lack of an external drive
- the Falcon docs, with DSP info, are available to anyone for $80 - just
send the check to Atari
- the Motorola DSP assembler and linker is being shipped to Falcon
developers
- video recording will be possible with external hardware (they said it
would have taken too much extra hardware to include direct video input
on the Falcon)
- the audience was generally passive during the presentation, but the
Tina Turner video was so impressive that it got a round of applause
(no, you can't get it - its heavily copyrighted we were told)
- Bill Rehbock, one of Atari's Falcon technical experts, mentioned to me
that he has a Compuserve account and generally manages to answer his
mail every nite
At the end of the formal presentation, everyone gathered near the front
stage to see the 3 Falcons doing a slide show in true color. One
monitor, an Atari 1435, looked especially good. One slide of a baby
surrounded by stuffed animals looked so good I was tempted to reach out
and touch the fuzz!
In summary, yes I was impressed, and I plan to buy one when they are
generally available (a developer friend of mine already has his order
in).
And no, I didn't win the Falcon door prize either (sigh...)
=======================================
USING FALCON DSP AS MODEM?
--------------------------
-=> In: comp.sys.atari.st
-=> From: dgaxiola@athena.mit.edu (David G Gaxiola)
-=> Date: 25 Sep 92 20:33:45 GMT
In article <19ubkhINN8hi@golem.wcc.govt.nz>, shore_c@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz
(Craig Shore) writes:
|> It is suppost to be possible, but what i'm wondering is just what
|> does this DSP port have in the way of output/input... what does
|> it connect up to?
|> A more precise question would be how can it deal with all the phone
|> like taking it off hook, putting it back on hook etc etc?
|> Craig.
From Atari's presentation to the Boston Computer Society last night, it
was pretty clear that having the DSP act as a modem will be not only
possible but a selling point for the Falcon.
From what was said, it appears that all is needed is a small adapter
from a standard telephone jack to the DSP's input port plus the right
software and you have yourself a 19.2kbaud modem.
This makes sense since a modem just processes signals in a very specific
manner and the DSP is just a powerful processor which happens to be able
to do some operations more then others. So, with an adapter costing far
less then a comparable modem would cost, you can have your Motorola 56k
do all the work of a highspeed modem with error correction and data
compression. When new data compression standards come out and superceed
the current crop of V32bis and MNP 5 standards for compression/
correction, all you need to do is load new software.
The problems with taking a phone on and off hook would be handled by the
adapter box, which shouldn't be much of a problem.
--David Gaxiola
=======================================
ATARI FALCON AT BCS SHOW - EYEWITNESS REPORT!
---------------------------------------------
-=> In: comp.sys.atari.st
-=> From: markjl@acs.bu.edu (Mark Lavi)
-=> Date: 25 Sep 92 21:48:10 GMT
Wednesday, September 23rd, 1992.
BOSTON--Atari Corporation debutted its Falcon 030 to the American public
at the Boston Computer Society's general meeting in the New England
Hall. Over two-hundred members filed into the hall, where a large,
fifteen foot videoscreen projected Falcon 030 GENLocked video directly,
audio was directly output to the hall's amplified system. Three working
Falcon's sat atop tables in front of the stage.
After initial opening and welcoming proceedings with an award to
visually-impaired computing leaders, Mike Newhall, Director of the BCS
Atari ST Users Group, introduced the Atari Corporation presentation.
Sam Tramiel, President and CEO of Atari, began the presentation of the
Falcon 030 by stating Atari's new goal of Personal Integrated Media for
consumbers. He stated that Atari had gone through transitions and
consolidation, and now was poised for growth.
He diagrammed a map of the market Atari is interested in, which looked
like this:
+--------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
|Personal Computers | Traditional Entertainment/Video Games|
| Apple|Nintendo,Sega |
|Business------------------+-------------------------------------Home|
| Microsoft,IBM|Phillips,Cable TV,Sony |
|Multimedia | Interactive TV |
+--------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
In the corners were market categories, each box had some companies that
represented the market for examples (I've put in some I remember).
Tramiel noted that a lot of the market categories were overlapping, and
companies have begun to enter into new markets. Tramiel outlined a lot
of statistics showing market penetration of television, CD players,
personal computers, etc. into American households. Now the industry can
provide computers that can handle current consumer audio and video,
Atari wants to deliver a full functioned computer for a reasonable
price. Atari wants to tap the market with the Falcon series of
computers, which exceed stereo CD audio quality capabilities, which come
fully equipped (just open the box and plug it in), have an existing
software base (the entire Atari ST/TT series library), and which are
priced well (the Falcon 030 costs the same amount of money as all the
video/audio augmented hardware add ons required on personal computer
other platforms alone).
Richard Miller, Vice President of Research and Development was the next
to speak. [I noted his British accent and asked him if he was from
Atari UK when I spoke to him after the presentation. He came from
Perihelion, which was involved in the Atari Transputer Workstation OS,
and then did a brief stint at Atari UK. By the way, he said the ATW is
a dead project.] Mr. Miller led the development of the Falcon 030
system architechture, and he envisioned a computer that his mother could
utilize. She didn't want a PC, or a Mac, she wanted a computer that
could make tea, answer the telephone, turn on the lights, and mail her
letters. Miller then stated that customers want the most sophisticated
technology, highest quality, and lowest price. "You can never under
estimate the consumer," Miller said, so the computer should be just as
good as the consumer's CD player or television at audio and video,
respectively.
With a CD player as low as $100, a color television as low as $200, and
a FAX machine as low as $200, etc., consumers want the same performance
and combined price for a computer that can do all of these things.
The Falcon 030 achieves this for consumers with its power at a low
price. The Falcon's power comes from its distributed processor
architecture:
- CPU: Motorola 68030 (32 MHz) central processor unit
- GPU: Blitter graphics co-processor (16 MHz): 64 million pps
- DMA: DMA engine: fast memory access to/from SCSI, audio, peripherals
- DSP: Motorola 56001 (32 MHz/16 MIPS) Digital Signal Processor unit
Optionally available is the:
- FPU: Motorola 68881/2 Floating Point mathematic co-processor unit
- 3rd party: 286/386SX CPU for IBM PC emulation
Atarians are used to the CPU/GPU/DMA from the ST/TT series computers.
The new Blitter has some new functions and runs at twice the speed of
the STE Blitter. Chip sockets for the optional processors are on the
Falcon 030, I believe. SACK (of Germany) is working on the 286/386SX
emulation now.
The digital signal processor (DSP) performs functions entirely in the
digital domain, providing an answer to analog signal processing's
problems.
Immediate applications of DSP are audio processing: sixteen band graphic
equalization, echo, reverb, chorus, flange, compression, distortion,
surround sound, pitch shifting, synthesis of sound/music, speech
generation and speech recognition. [Most exist already on the Falcon,
Atari is working hard on the speech recognition, according to Tramiel.]
DSP also loans itself to these areas: array processing, optical
character recognition, video compression and decompression, etc. Atari
will utilize the DSP's high performace mode to create a virtual 19.2K
baud modem and a virtual 9600 baud full-duplex FAX. Future Atari Falcon
applications include an all digital telephone answering machine and
voice-mail for the home. [These too, are being worked upon by Atari,
developers, and other 3rd parties.]
The video section of the Falcon 030 is capable of:
VESA video output at 72Hz, 640 by 480 pixels, Genlock, digital
Chromakey, video overlay, PAL and NTSC broadcast signals, 1/2/4/8-bit
graphics, and overscan. [Sorry, he went quickly there, and I'm not 100%
sure of all of the definitions of some of the features.] These video
capabilities loan themselves to these applications: television picture
in picture, video effects, CD Photos (just add a CD ROM player).
The audio section of the Falcon 030 is capable of:
16-bit digital audio at 50kHz, eight-track digital recording and
playback, stereo 16-bit CODEC, an input for an external microphone, and
a headphone output jack.
The Falcon 030 also has the following output ports: stereo audio out,
SCSI II port, DMA port, DSP port, MIDI IN/OUT ports, LocalTalk LAN port,
RS-232-C port, and two enhanced joystick ports (for lightguns, etc.).
The Falcon030 contains MultTOS operating system in a four meg ROM and is
available with 1, 4, or 14 megabytes of RAM.
Bill Rehcock, Director of Application Software, showed the audience
bundled software with every Falcon030. He stated that the Falcon030 has
been in developer's hands since May 1992. Some of the things that the
Falcon 030 can do is address the needs of the consumer who wants to
create video and audio, as evidence he cited "America's Funniest Home
Videos" and the popularity of the camcorder. The Falcon030 loans itself
to home video titling, video presentations for business or education,
etc.
The first piece of software demonstrated was Falcon D2D, a basic audio
sampler and waveform editor which can sample directly to the hard drive
for recording. Sample waveforms may be loaded and graphically edited,
spliced, etc. Then waveforms may be arranged into a small cue list
sequencer for flexible playback.
The second piece of software was the Audio Fun Machine, basically a
digital audio effects processor. There were two, full color equalizers
(one for left and right input each) which were adjustible filters
manipulated with the mouse. Using the external microphone input, you
can apply the 10 band EQ filters in realtime as well as add the
following effects: "surround sound" ambience, concert hall
reverberation, phase shifting, distortion, etc. You can also edit the
effects waveforms.
The third piece of software demonstrated was the System Audio Manager,
where one can assign sounds/samples to system events, each function key,
and any key on the keyboard. The sounds play without any system
slowdown, you can use Atari samples from the D2D program or import
Microsoft Windows *.WAV files and Mac sounds.
Additional bundled software mentioned: CALAPT - a calendar and
appointment scheduler program [a la Portfolio, I imagine], ProCalc - a
full-featured scientific calculator, Talking Clock - displays time and
announces the time at user set intervals, and two games: Landmines and
Breakout.
The Falcon 030 can output to the VCR directly the user's own 3-D
animations (via Lexicor software, etc.), titles, etc. to create home
videos. "The Falcon 030 is the only 16-bit true color computer in its
class," said Rehcock. With a low cost telephone line interface (on the
way, 1st quarter 1993, by a Scottish company: it'll be the size of a
cigarette box and it will have international telephone ports on it,
according to Tramiel) this can lead to FAXing and low-cost videophones
through the Falcon 030.
The Falcon 030 uses the GEM desktop, based on Digital Research's DRI
GEM, for its graphical user interface. The icons are now animated and
color, the desktop is customizable. [From what I saw, animated means
this: when you select an icon, it does not reverse itself to show it is
highlighted, it changes to a new icon. Eg: the trashcan opens, the file
folder has a file pop up, the disk opens its shutter, etc.] With the OS
in ROM, there is no possibility for virus corruption of the OS or wait
for the entire OS to boot off of the hard drive.
MultiTOS is preemptive multitasking with adaptive prioritization, so as
to make the current user process appear to have no slow down. It is
compatible with existing software [as long as they didn't use illegal OS
tricks!], it allows for messages and pipes: this yeilds interprocess
communication. It uses a hierarchical file system with loadable drivers
for compatiblility with UNIX/Mac devices, the forthcoming Atari CR-ROM
player, etc. MultiTOS will have other disk extensions for future
expansion.
James Grunke, Director of International Music Marketing, was the last to
speak at the presentation. He outlined this period as historic for
music and Atari:
1985 - Atari Corporation was the first to realize the potential of MIDI
and placed MIDI IN/OUT ports on their ST series of computers.
1986 - Atari was the computer company to market directly to musicians,
it places an advertisment in Keyboard magazine.
1987 - Atari was the first computer company to attend the NAMM
convention. (NAMM = National Association of Music Merchants, I
believe.)
Atari computers were also the first to directly synchronize to SMPTE
time code. Today, Atari still holds fifteen percent share of the music
market. The OS has rock solid timing, essential for music and MIDI
sequencing. With features like stereo CD audio, the DSP Motorola 56001
chip, the SCSI II port for access to samplers/hard drives, and true
color video, the Falcon 030 has standards that musicians want. The
Atari ST/TT series of computers also has a mature music software base.
Where a Max IIci with 5 Mbyte RAM (street pricing) plus software ($1000)
costs $2500 per stereo track, the Falcon 030 4/65 with 4 Mbyte RAM and
65 Mbyte hard drive at full list price ($1299) costs $849 per stereo
track. With an additional hardware expansion to bring system
capabilities up to eight stereo tracks, which includes XLR inputs plus
DAC and clock chips, the Atari system comes to $1699 + $800 HW
expansion: it costs $312 per stereo track.
The demonstration concluded with a summary of specifications, pricing,
and availability: dealers will recieve a demonstration Falcon in
November, but the real production rollout of Falcon 030's will be in
January, 1993. Atari will begin a regional rollout, when that is
completed national advertising shall follow. Sam Tramiel said that back
in 1987, Atari sold 10,000 units a month and ran into the Japan/US
dynamic RAM troubles. Atari never came back in the US market, it
developed and expanded the European market since then, but now Atari
wants to come back into the US market with the Falcon 030.
A question and answer session followed: the LAN port is Localtalk, which
is hardware identical to AppleTalk, it is not ETHERNET, but that will
probably be addressed by 3rd party developers. DVI boards are currently
being worked on by 3rd party developers, hopefully under $500.00. ASEUB
digital interfaces can be done: a chip for digital bandwidth offload may
be necessary in an external interface. Video overlay is accomplished
with a 3rd party GENlock device, it can be controlled down to the pixel.
The DSP port will be able to access external analog to digital chips,
the port can support one megabyte per second data rates.
Atari readied a demonstration of the Falcon 030's video capabilities.
Approximately 2-3 minutes of a music video had been sampled into the
Atari and saved to the hard drive previously. The Falcon 030 was able
to pull off the 92 megabytes of video data off of the hard drive and
display the video as 24 frames per second in full screen, true-color
mode with CD stereo audio IN REAL TIME. This elicited quite an applause
from the audience. There was no compression involved, performance was
based solely on the Blitter and 030 processors.
When asked about the reason for Atari's choice of 16-bit true color as
opposed to 24-bit color, the response was that the eye can see about one
million colors, and 24-bit allows 16 million colors: the 16-bit color
was a good compromise for the real world and brought Falcon expense down
without cost to performance. MS-DOS 3.5" floppy file compatibility was
confirmed. When asked about Falcon developers, Atari reported that
there had been an overwhelming response from old ST developers who were
coming back to Atari, interestingly, a lot of NeXT developers are coming
over as well. Some Amiga developers claimed they'd rather develop on
the Falcon 030 than the A4000 platform. Atari said they'd like to get
into universities, but would have to come in through the "back door"
with Desktop Video and Desktop Radio and music applications.
Inexpensive third party frame grabber and scanners are coming. The
Falcon is Logitech Fotoman compatible. Atari envisions the Falcon to
have 98% of the Video Toaster capabilities soon, and for significantly
less than the Video Toaster alone. You will be able to use multisync
VGA monitors on the Falcon, but make sure that they can "go down" to
NTSC broadcast specifications for true-color modes. MultiTOS will be
partially disk based for extensions, the OS is a 4 Mbyte ROM containing
all of the languages/keyboard layouts to further enhance compatiblitity
throughout the world for developers.
The 1040ST style case was used for production expediency, it's a darker
grey/light brown color with dark grey keys. But Sam Tramiel said this
was the "beginning of exciting, different machines... more birds" in the
Falcon series. [New Atari computers will be named after birds,
videogame consoles after cats. Eg: Lynx, Jaguar (which probably will be
based on the Falcon and have all of its resolution modes, plus some
peripheral compatibility, ie: joysticks, lightpens, Atari CD-ROM, etc).]
Atari was asked about customer support and service for the hardware:
Atari is working to re-establish old dealers and will have a 1-800 toll
free number.
When pressed about Falcon 040s, the audience was told "before you see
486's emulated on the Falcon 030." The Q&A session ended here, and
Atari gave away a door prize: a Falcon 030!
I followed up to Sam Tramiel and asked him a few things, Atari is
talking to Kodak about Photo CD development, Phillips wants development
of an Atari Falcon of a CD-I card (but no mention was made of who would
do these things). Atari is working on an inexpensive CD-ROM player,
connected via the DMA or DSP port as opposed to SCSI II.
[This concludes my report, but I have another report based on the BCS
Atari ST user group's visit by Bob Brodie and Bill Rehbock with two
Falcons the next day. It's coming! I tried to keep this article in a
formal style, but I dropped out of it towards the end. I hope you
appreciate my efforts, I'm sure 99% of the information is correct, as I
heard it, and have pointed out places where I wasn't sure of things, so
this should be a legitimate guide for you learn about the Falcon.]
=======================================
FALCON AT BCS ATARI ST USER GROUP MEETING!
------------------------------------------
-=> In: comp.sys.atari.st
-=> From: markjl@acs.bu.edu (Mark Lavi)
-=> Date: 25 Sep 92 23:06:32 GMT
Thursday, September 24, 1992.
CAMBRIDGE--The Boston Computer Society's Atari ST User Group followed up
to the previous day's American introduction of the Atari Falcon030
computer with a visit from Bob Brodie, Director of Communications, and
Bill Rehbock, Director of Applications Software, of Atari Corporation.
They were in the company of two Falcon 030's, much to the delight of the
user group.
Basic specifications and configurations were covered as follows:
Configurations: Atari Falcon 030 - (1 meg RAM, no hard drive) = $799.
Falcon 4/65 (4 meg RAM, 65 meg hard drive) = $1299.
Also available: (14 meg RAM, (65 meg HD?)) = ???.
Processors: M68030 (16 MHz CPU), M56001 (32 MHz DSP), Blitter (16 MHz
GPU), and DMA.
DSP specs: M56001 (16 MIPS or ~ 96 MOPS = Millions of operations per
second).
26 pin __________[8-bit bus for instructions]
DSP Serial Port /
---------------=>[Motorola 56K DSP Chip]----------=>(SSI out)
(SSI in) \
\_[RAM] 32kWords, 25 nanoseconds.
2
More about the DSP port: a Sony/Phillips I S port (sound DMA) CODAC
coder (digital to analog (DAC) and vice-versa). One megabyte per second
IN and OUT simultaneously, this allows for expansion of stereo inputs
for digital sampling or additonal MIDI ports, etc.
Video: True 16-bit color = 65,000 colors, VGA graphics.
Video to older ST monitors (SC1224) with adapter inteface (coming),
Output: to newer ST and TT monitors, to NTSC televisions, and to VGA
Upgrades: Dealers will be able to upgrade a 1 Mbyte Falcon 030 to 4 or
14 MBytes with a board from Atari (coming). The 2.5" IDE
hard drive can be replaced easily (for repair/upgrade).
Compatible: Falcon 030 is more compatible with Atari ST software than
the Atari TT because it has a Blitter. All 14 Mbytes of RAM are unified
memory to the video and cpu via MAB bus: thus no TT/ST RAM segments.
Bus specs: (as best as I can recall!)
COMBEL / GLUE / Blitter (chips for memory functions) - 32 bits wide.
VEL (Video chip) via MAB bus - 32/16 bits wide. (All memory can be
thought of as a huge video buffer or memory can be accessed as video and
instructions at the same time, I believe.)
DMA (handles SCSI II ports, Audio, etc.) chip bus - 16 bits wide.
M68030 CPU - 16 bits.
TT Has TT RAM burst mode, can execute programs twice as fast due to
advantages: its 32MHz M68030. Larger chassis accomidates for expandible
VME cards, etc. 3.5" Hard Drive can be easily replaced/upgraded, it has
better potential capacity the the Falcon 030 2.5" HD.
Falcon Finally has a fan in there! Cheaper than TT. Has STE
enhanced advantages: 15-pin joystick ports (accepts lightpens) has two
pins for analog signals? (Mistakenly left off of the Mega-STEs and
TTs.)
Localtalk: LAN is 100% hardware compatible with AppleTalk LAN (but s/w
protocol has to follow to use it!).
HD Yes, they are unlimited on the Falcon. New Atari HDX tools
are Partitions: coming for the Falcon.
Genlocking: 3rd party GENlock devices exist (Atari used the JRI device).
In order to do desktop video overlaying, here's the hardware hack:
---=> RGB ]
Atari--[OUT]---=> Composite ]----------=>[Genlock] [Video ]
Video ---=> Overlay bit ] [ Box ]<=---Video-------[Source or]
Signal--[IN]<=--- Vertical Sync ]<=----[ ]<=---Dot Clock---[Camcorder]
<=--- External Dot Clock] /
[to Monitor]
The Genlock Box contains an Analog Multiplexer and Raster Scale Chips.
The Atari just "paints" an area in "overlay bit" color, which the
Genlock box recognizes and uses the external dot clock to sync the video
signal to that overlay area via the multiplexer which can set each pixel
(raster) on the screen. Thus, the Genlock just patches in the video
signal onto the Atari signal and then outputs it to the monitor. Some
more work (and chips) are needed, so the image can be scaled and moved
around, requiring some more I/O from the Atari to the Genlock box for
true scalable, movable pictures in a GEM window.
On the way stuff:
SLM804 and Third party companies are already working on DMA to SCSI link
to use
SLM605: the Atari Laser Printers, so Atari has left them to do it.
German 3rd party company is working on adding buffer RAM into SLM804
interface for extra performance.
Atari UNIX: is completed, but 030 performance was slow. When it comes
on the 030 it will be text-based only. They are waiting for 040 to have
a full blown windowed Atari UNIX.
FSM-GDOS: It is really coming!! (November, hopefully.) Atari worked
with QMS originally, but that didn't turn out well. So, Atari
approached Bitstream. The new Bitstream Speedo scaler is faster than
QMS's scaler, will work with Post Script Type I and Bitstream fonts.
Bitstream fonts are plentiful (800+) and available (like Egghead S/W) in
IBM-PC 3.5" floppy format, which can be read by any Atari floppy drive.
Bitstream is updating their font packaging to say Atari compatible.
SUTRA: (Working title only!) An Atari multipurpose application,
much like Lotus Works: it has a database, wordprocessor, spreadsheet,
etc.
Spectre: Dave Small has his Falcon 030, he's tinkering!
Frame Matrix Frame (from a third party in Germany) has achieved
eight Grabbing: frames per second through the cartridge port, a nice
hack. This area will be refined and improved now that the Falcon
exists. Touchscreen: Already exists on the ST, should be further
developed on Falcon.
[Aok, that's a summary of everything that happened. Forgive me for any
errors, especially the misspelling of Bill Rehbock on the previous BCS
General Meeting report where Atari debutted the Falcon 030 to the public
-- I didn't run the
=======================================
UNDOCUMENTED AT# COMMANDS IN SUPRA ROMS
---------------------------------------
-=> In: comp.dcom.modems
-=> From: Peter.Tobias@p13.f2004.n241.z2.fidonet.org (Peter Tobias)
-=> Date: 23 Aug 92 11:35:24 GMT
For the Supra you have to replace "#" with "+f" (for example: AT+FMDL?
AT+FMFR? AT+FREV?). Some of the commands may not work with some rom
versions.
Rockwell commands:
#BDR select baud rate
#CLS select data,fax or voice
#FPP Packet protocol (voice).
#MDL? Identify model.
#MFR? Identify manufacturer
#REV? Identify revision level
#TNS Tone generator
#VBS Bits per sample (ADPCM)
#VBT Beep tone timer
#VCI? Identify compression method (ADPCM)
#VL Voice line select (ADPCM)
#VR Voice receive (ADPCM)
#VRA Ringback goes away timer (originate)
#VRN Ringback never came timer (originate)
#VSD Silence deletion tuner (voice receive, ADPCM)
#VSP Silence detection period (voice receive, ADPCM)
#VSR Sampling rate selection (ADPCM)
#VT Voice transmit (ADPCM)
#VTD DTMF/tone reporting capability
(from the Rockwell Modem Designer's Guide for the RC144AC)
=======================================
SUPRA NEW ROM (ORDERING INFO)
-----------------------------
-=> In: comp.dcom.modems
-=> From: johnston@me.udel.edu (Bill Johnston)
-=> Date: 28 Sep 92 06:40:18 GMT
Maybe this will save somebody a few minutes of long-distance connect
time. First time Supra BBS users should try to log in using their full
name as written on their warranty registration; this saves data entry
time when ordering.
Note also that the following doc mentions a forthcoming "Voice" firmware
upgrade that will cost about $70. This seems more likely to be useful
than the $20 Caller ID version of the ROM, so it might make sense to get
the free ROM upgrade now at wait.
Please note that this is NOT being posted on behalf of Supra or even
with their permission. I always end up wasting a few $$$ worth of phone
time reading BBS instructions ... so here is at least $2 worth (at
v.32bis and my literacy level ;-) ).
WELCOME TO SUPRA's V32/bis FAXMODEM ROM ORDER SYSTEM
Supra has designed this system to be as easy as possible for you to use.
But in order to protect your priviacy, we do have some rules.
1. You must logon to the bbs with your first, last, city and state as we
have it in our database.
2. You must enter your zip code and serial number in order to see your
address information. If we have not entered it correctly, you can
not see the address information, but you can give us all of the
information and we will correct it.
3. If you are not in our database, or our information is incorrect, you
can still order the rom, but you must give us all of your
information, including your serial number.
4. Only one set of rom's per serial number can be ordered. If you have
multiple modems, you will have to make multiple orders and provide
each serial number.
5. The database that is on the BBS is a copy of our real database which
is on our Altos. As such, any changes that are made to your record
on the Altos WILL NOT show up on the BBS. Only new records are
moved from the Altos to the BBS.
Dear SupraFAXModem Owner,
I would personally like to thank you for recently purchasing a
SupraFAXModem V.32/ V.32bis. You have chosen a modem that has quickly
become the market leader due to its excellent performance, wide range of
features, and economical price. In fact, you may have seen some of the
SupraFAXModem's recent accolades:
Byte Magazine, Jerry Pournelle, User Column, July '92
"Recommended."
MacWorld Magazine, Tom Negrino, Review w/4 Star Rating, August,1992
"I strongly recommend the SupraFAXModem V.32bis."
PC Magazine, John C. Dvorak, Inside Track, September 29, 1992
"The Supra 14.4 fax modem is the one I've been using recently ... "
Hot Sellers List, Merisel (2nd largest U.S. computer distributor),
August 1992 #1 Best Selling Modem
You, our customer, have helped make the modem the success it is today.
To show our appreciation and to make sure that you have the best
performing product possible, we are offering you a free upgrade to our
latest modem firmware. We have made several enhancements since you
purchased your modem and this upgrade will bring you to the level of
what we are shipping today. I strongly encourage you to take advantage
of this upgrade because it will enhance your modem performance and give
you access to many new features.
Detailed information on the enhancements are provided latter on.
There are two options for upgrading your modem. Please read each
description and then make the appropriate selection in our online
ordering system.
OPTION #1 - FREE
This will give you the free upgrade to all of our basic enhancements as
detailed latter on. Upgrade will be shipped via U.S. Mail within 10
days of receipt of your order.
OPTION #2 - $19.95 + $5.00 UPS BLUE Shipping = $24.95
outside US $15.00 US AirMail shipping = $34.95
This will give you all of the basic enhancements and the new Caller ID
feature ($49.95 retail). Caller ID allows your computer to know who's
calling you before the modem even answers the phone. In the near
future, you will find applications that support this feature in many
ways. We have included more details and a list of potential
applications on the back of this letter. Your order will be shipped
within 3 days of receipt via UPS Blue Label (2 day) service or US
AirMail if outside US. It can be ordered using Visa, MasterCard, or COD
(there is a $5 COD charge). Our European customers can order the rom
from us now, or from Supra Gmbh in Germany in a month for a reduced
shipping cost.
Again, I encourage you to take advantage of the benefits these upgrades
offer. You should act quickly because the offer expires November 30th.
Sincerely,
John Wiley
President
P.S. Please look for the upcoming Voice firmware upgrade ($69.95) in
December.
=======================================
| | | WAACE ATARIFEST INFO
| | | Press Release
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFO:
The Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts (WAACE) extend to you our
personal invitation to attend AtariFest '92.
The premier east coast Atari show will be held this year on the 10th and
11th of October in the exposition facilities of the Sheraton Reston
Hotel, 11976 Sunset Hill Road, Reston, VA 22070. This fine convention
facility is located just a few miles west of Washington, DC about midway
to Dulles International Airport.
Those of you who have attended prior shows know what to expect, and we
ask that you spread the word to others. To those who have attended
previously the associated Washington area user groups extend a heartfelt
"Welcome Back".
Admission is a paltry $5.00 per day, or you may obtain a two day pass
for $8.00.
Top rank vendors and developers will be exhibiting their wares.
Codehead, Gribnif, ICD, DMC Publishing (formerly ISD), Joppa, MegaType,
Missionware, Toad, and over 40 others will be in attendance. Free
seminars are scheduled, along with many demonstrations in our demo
rooms. A gamer's paradise is in the works, and for music aficionados, a
great MIDI room featuring live performances, demonstrations, and special
deals from local music stores. Want to check out the Falcon? See it
here in yearling plumage and flying!
Door prizes? You betcha. You've got to plug in to this event!
For additional general information you may call Russell Brown at
703-803-6126, or contact Ken Fassler or Betty Burchell at 301-229-1886.
HOTEL INFO:
The Sheraton Reston has made special provisions for 'Fest attendees.
Greatly reduced rates of $59/day (single or double occupancy), and $66
(triple or quad) are being offered. These rates are available from
October 8th through the 11th, but you must mention AtariFest '92 to be
eligible. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-392-ROOM, or 703-
620-9000. Rooms are going fast so make those reservations soon!
DIRECTIONS:
VIA Plane... Fly to Dulles Airport and complimentary hotel shuttle.
Via Train... Take Train to Washington Union Station then transfer to
the RED Metro train marked "Shady Grove" and go to the Metro Center
stop. Transfer to the Orange Metro train marked "Vienna" and get off at
the West Falls Church Stop. Catch the Metro Bus marked "5S" and
"Reston/Herndon". Get off at the stop marked "Colt's Neck Road and
Sunrise Valley". Proceed to the Sheraton Reston Hotel.
Via Auto... Take the Capital Beltway, I-495 to Exit 12W to Washington
Dulles Airport. Take the Washington Dulles Toll Road (Rte 267) Exit.
Follow the Dulles Toll Road to the Reston Parkway, Exit 3. Turn left at
the Traffic light onto Reston Parkway. Turn left again at the 2nd light
onto Sunrise Valley Dr. Follow Sunrise Valley Dr. to the Sheraton
Reston on the left.
BANQUET:
The Banquet will be Saturday night with cocktails at 6:30 pm and dinner
at 8:00 pm. The WAACE Banquet has always been a great place to meet and
dine with the Atari worlds most famous developers authors, and just
plain folks. For tickets contact Bob Janice at GEnie R.Janice or phone
(703) 222-0318. Hurry, tickets are going FAST!
VENDORS:
The following Vendors are scheduled to attend the 1992 WAACE AtariFest.
Lexicor Software eSTeem Joppa Computer Products
Gribnif Rising Star Computers MegaType
Missionware Software Codehead Unicorn Pub.(A.I.M.)
WizWorks! Step Ahead Software SKWare One
Mars Merchandising Taylor Ridge Books CompuServe
D M C Publishing Maxwell CPU Barefoot Software
ST Informer Debonair Software Accusoft ST
A B C Solutions Fair Dinkum Compucellar West
WizzTronics BaggettaWare Oregon Research
D.A.Brumleve Dragon Software Current Notes
Computer Studio Clear Thinking FAST Technology
Toad Computers J M G Software ( WHO'S NEXT ? )
Call DTACK (Ken or Betty )about consignment opportunities at (301)
229-1886 !!!
PUBLICITY:
In addition to our print magazine advertising and the on line services,
and, as a means to say hello to our Atari friends in foreign lands, the
WAACE AtariFest '92 is reaching out around the world on the
international shortwave radio bands. You may hear our advertisements by
tuning to the broadcasts of Radio New York International (RNI) in the 41
meter band at 7435 KHz between the hours of 0100 and 0500 UTC on the 7th
14th, 21st, 28th of September, and on the 5th of October, 1992. In the
United States, these hours translate to 9:00pm until 1:00am EST, on the
6th, 13th, 20th and 27th of September, and on the 4th of October, 1992.
SEMINARS:
For many years now the WAACE show has included a seminar series as a way
to educate as well as to entertain our audience. The offerings listed
below reflect the desire of the WAACE committee to help Atari users get
the most out of their computers. Enjoy.
WAACE Seminar Schedule - Ver 2.0
Saturday - 11 October 1992
1100 - The 30 Second Commute - Don & Carole Terp
The authors of a new book tell how they run Read Mountain Press out of
their home with the help of Atari computers and DTP hardware and
software. Look for their new book.
1200 - Tele-Media on the Atari Platform - Charles Smeton, Joppa Software
The developer of STraight FAX describes how techonological advances in
Digital Signal Processing and semiconductor design are bringing "Power
Without The Price" to FAX, Voice Mail, and Caller ID services using
Atari's ST/STe/TT and Falcon 030 computers.
1300 - Professional CADD Using DynaCADD - Sheldon Winick
The owner of Computer STudio, who is also a registered architect, will
demonstrate why he chooses DynaCADD on a TT/030 to fulfill his high-
powered CADD workstation requirements.
1400 - A Few Little Extras for Your ST - Steve Cohen - Wizztronics
Want to switch between TOS ROM sets? How about selecting which
cartridge to run using software? Or maybe you have more than one
printer.
1430 - EditTrack Gold - Jeff Naideau, Barefoot Software
Professional musicians demonstrate MIDI sequencing as used in live
performances and studio work.
1500 - Fun with Calamus SL - Mario Georgiou, DMC Software
DMC's DTP expert offers entertaining hints and kinks for getting the
most out of your Atari based workstation for Desktop Publishing.
Whether you use dot-matrix, a laser printer, or four-color film
separations you'll want to attend this seminar.
1600 - The Online Experience - Using the major services
Representatives from Compuserve, GEnie, and Delphi tell how to get
computer help and enrich your life in general by using the online
services.
1700 - STReport
The publisher and staff of the liveliest online magazine with news and
views for the Atari user.
Sunday - 12 October 1992
1100 - Professional MIDI with Cubase - Mike Cloninger, Computer STudio
This seminar will describe the wide-ranging capabilities of Cubase 3.0
as used with a TT/030. Additional MIDI gear will include several KAWAI
keyboards, a ROLAND drum machine, and various effect processors.
1200 - Souping Up Your Old ST - Panel
Jim Allen, Dave Small, and Dave Troy with the latest on accelerators,
network cards, memory add-ons, and disk drives for getting some extra
mileage out of your old ST computers.
1300 - Getting the Most from Your Modem - Telecomm Software
How to choose the best telecommunications software. Terminal emulations
file downloading, text capture, and scripting capabilities will be
discussed by authors and users of telecommunications programs.
1400 - Meet Atari's Falcon030 (Panel Discussion)
Developers who have been fortunate enough to have access to the newest
line of Atari computers will describe the machines and their
capabilities.
1500 - Meet the Atari Press
Question the folks who bring you the news. Meet with the publishers and
staffers of AIM, Current Notes, and any others who happen to be on hand.
CONTACTS:
Phone... Russ Brown at 703-803-6126 for General info.
Bob Janice at 703-222-0318 for Banquet Info.
Ken Fassler at 301-229-1886 for Vendor Info.
Online contacts are:
CIS: Richard Gunter 70117,2565.
GEnie: R.BROWN127
Delphi: JDBARNES
Internet: Johnbarnes@enh.nist.gov
From everyone making preparations for the WAACE AtariFest 92, we wish
all our friends around the world the best of everything. SEE YOU AT THE
FEST!!!
| | | THE ATARI AMATEUR PRESS
| | | By Tim Duarte
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
The following article is reprinted in Atari Explorer Online by
permission of AtariUser magazine. It MAY NOT be further reprinted
without specific permission of AtariUser. AtariUser Magazine, 249 North
Brand Boulevard, Suite 332 Glendale, CA 91203 Telephone/Voicemail: 818-
246-6277, FAX: 818-242-2129
Andy Eddy gave us an overview of the commercial Atari press. But
there's a whole other world of publishing that many Atari users are not
familiar with--an entirely different level of Atari support called the
Atari "Amateur Press."
The Amateur Press consists of small newsletters on the various
subdivisions of Atari products and interests. They are usually brief,
averaging only 8 to 16 pages, but they contain interesting and useful
information that you won't find in the professional magazines. Each
newsletter varies in content, but most of them contain similar parts:
hardware and software reviews, game solutions and tips, reader-submitted
letters, question and answer columns, "how-to" projects, programming
tips, classified ads, and more.
Don't expect to receive a full-color pages from the amateur press. Most
newsletters are created with desktop publishing software and the printed
pages are usually photocopies. Remember, amateur publishers do not have
large budgets or paid writers. What they do have is a network of highly
informed and highly motivated readers who each take their participation
in the newsletter very seriously. While this often makes the coverage
uneven or quirky, it is seldom boring, at least to others who share the
particular bent of the specific publication.
The following are Atari-related newsletters, with a brief description
and contact information:
APE (Atari Portable Entertainment)
Clinton Smith, 2104 North Kostner, Chicago, IL 60639.
Subscription: $6 for 5 issues (1 year)
AU's Lynx Columnist Clinton Smith provides a comprehensive newsletter
for the Lynx gaming system. It's published quarterly, with a special
Christmas issue. Clint packs 16 pages with news features, detailed
solutions, strategies, and tips, step-by-step instructions on how to
find "easter eggs" in the games, and more. APE is the leading
newsletter in the Lynx community.
Classic Systems & Games Monthly
Jeff Adkins, 11 Windsor Attica, NY 14011. Subscription: $16.50 for 10
issues (one year) ($1.75 for sample). Jeff and his staff not only write
columns about the 2600, 5200, and 7800, but they tackle Intellivision,
Colecovision, Odyssey 2, and other classic games systems as well. CS&GM
issues are large (July was 18 pages) and published monthly. A "game of
the month" is showcased in each issue, and just reading the reviews
makes you want to set up and revive your old game systems and join in on
the fun.
Digital Press
Joe Santulli, 29 Cupsaw Ave., Ringwood, NJ 07456. Subscriptions: $6 for
6 bi-monthly issues (one year). "Gaming as a Way of Life." Very
similar to CS&GM, Joe and the staff at DP cover all classic systems and
the July/August issue was 22 pages. The difference is that coverage of
new systems, such as the Sega Genesis and Nintendo, also fill the pages.
The newsletter also has its own distinct personality, which comes across
as a friendly, yet punchy style. Columns worthy of note are the Worst
of/Best of software articles.
Take It With You
Perfection Applied, 454 West 1010, North Orem, UT 84057.
Subscriptions: $18 for 6 bi-monthly issues (one year). This newsletter
is geared toward the palmtop computer user. Not only does it provide
Portfolio coverage, but also covers the Sharp Wizard and Hewlett Packard
95LX. Time-saving tips, useful tricks, and how to's are featured.
2600 Connection
Tim Duarte, P.O. Box 3993, Westport, MA 02790. Subscription: $6 for 6
bi-monthly issues. Would you believe there is a newsletter that is
devoted to supporting the ancestor of all videogame systems -- the Atari
2600? I should know, I'm the publisher and editor! My latest, issue
#11, featured an interview with Warren Robinett (author of Adventure),
the solution to Crossbow, a story on rare and collectible games, and
more in its eight pages.
The Lynx
Phil Patton, 131 Dake Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Subscriptions: $12
for 12 monthly issues (one year). Phil's newsletter provides coverage
for the portable Lynx, Atari ST, and oddly enough, gaming on the IBM PC.
Other columns include Ask the Wiz Kid (a question and answer column), ST
Action (game column), and Ramblings of an Amoeba (the IBM column).
The Shape of Gaming to Come
Darren Krolewski, 12311 Conservation Trail, Utica, MI 48315.
Subscriptions: $5 for 6 bi-monthly issues (one year). Darren's
newsletter focuses on many of today's newer systems, including the Lynx.
Also, the newsletter discusses where the industry is headed. Virtual
Reality was featured in a recent issue. Darren also publishes a "closet
classic" review once and awhile.
ZAP!
Terence Micharoni, 142 Justin Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306.
Subscriptions: $6 for 6 bi-monthly issues (one year). Terence provides
coverage of the cartridge-based Atari systems, as well as the 8-bit
computer games. He also supports a large number of non-Atari classic
systems, too. The head-to-head game system comparisons, such as the
Atari 5200 vs. Colecovision or the Atari 2600 vs. Odyssey 2, are quite
interesting to read. ZAP! recently expanded to 10 pages.
I'm sure there are other newsletters out there, and I apologize for
those I missed. Newsletters start up and cease publishing quickly. If
you know of other Atari-related newsletters, send the addresses to
AtariUser magazine so we can do a followup in the coming months.
If you're interested in obtaining some of the newsletters above, but are
unsure about a subscription, many of the editors will send a sample
issue. Include a dollar bill or a few postage stamps when requesting a
sample. Remember, these amateurs are not publishing to make a profit;
they publish because they enjoy it and regard it as a hobby. If you
send a check or a money order for a subscription, make the payment
payable to the editor/publisher's name, not to the newsletter itself.
Most banks refuse to accept any check payable to the newsletter because
it is not a registered, legal business.
The Atari Amateur press is a reliable source of information for niche
subjects that don't get much coverage in the professional Atari
magazines. Find your niche and take some time to check out the
newsletters that match you. You won't be disappointed.
BIO: In real life (away from producing his own newsletter about the
Atari 2600) Tim Duarte teaches 8th grade English and History in New
Bedford, MA.
Some of the specialty "magazines" are "electronic," existing only as a
text file to be downloaded or read online via modems. For our purposes
this month, we'll look at the "hard copy," or printed newsletters.
We'll also narrow our view to exclude "club" publications for now.
What lies ahead for the Atari Amateur Press? There's still room for
more newsletters. How about a newsletter devoted to the Atari 5200?
7800? 8-bit computers? If you think you'd like to start up a
newsletter, write to an editor. Most of them are happy to help out and
give advice to newcomers.
| | | ACCESS CHARGES/MODEM FEES - UPDATE
| | | From CompuServe
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
Here is some additional information provided by CompuServe to help
clarify the issues surrounding Access Charges and "modem fees".
In July 1991, the FCC released a decision that Enhanced Service
Providers (ESPs) such as CompuServe would not remain "exempt" from the
payment of usage-sensitive commom carrier-type access charges if they
want to use any new service offerings made available under the FCC's
Open Network Architecture program. This means that new communications
arrangements (whether new technology, further unbundling, or different
arrangements of existing technology) made available under ONA would
include payment of usage-sensitive carrier access charges. By this
action, the FCC decided in effect to preserve the access charge
"exemption" (in FCC terminology) only for the current access
arrangements used by CompuServe and other ESPs. This has the practical
effect of locking ESPs into what will likely be less desirable or
outmoded service arrangements in the not-too-distant future.
The FCC's written decision in CC Docket No. 89-79 was issued on July 11,
1991. This FCC reference is FCC 91-186 and it is reported at 6 FCC Rcd
4524.
It is a near certainty that CompuServe will want to take advantage of
certain new federally-tariffed service features designed for ESPs in the
future. These may include, for example, service arrangements made
available for the first time through the deployment of an Integrated
Services Digital Network platform in the next few years. In order to do
so under the FCC July 1991 decision, ESPs would have to pay usage-
sensitive access charges that would raise local line costs by
approximately 300% over present costs.
On August 26, 1991 CompuServe filed a Petition for Reconsideration of
the July 11 decision. Other parties moving for reconsideration include
Prodigy, ADAPSO (now the Information Technician's Association of
America, BT North America, GENIE (GEISCO), National Data Corporation,
Citicorp, Information Industry Association, and the California Bankers
Clearinghouse Association. These reconsideration petitions are still
pending before the FCC. Therefore, the FCC has a decision to make that
will determine whether ESPs must pay much higher common carrier-type
access charges in order to obtain any new service arrangements made
available in the future.
On April 30, 1992, the House Telecommunications Subcommittee sent a
unanimous letter to the FCC discouraging the imposition of carrier
access charges to ESPs under any circumstances. On May 18, 1992,
Chairman Sikes responded by stating that some of the offerings made
available under federally tariffed ONA services may be offered by the
states, and that ESPs could still avoid the carrier access charges by
using state tariffed services. Sikes added that the line between
Interexchange Carriers and ESPs is blurring, so that it is more
difficult to justify any extension to the current access charge
"exemption."
CompuServe believes there are a number of problems with Mr. Sikes'
approach:
ONA was the FCC's promise for a fair treatment of ESPs after structural
separation (separate corporate entities) was no longer required for
local telephone companies to provide enhanced services themselves. The
FCC said that it would require the local telephpne companies to make new
features and fucntions available on an unbundled and nondiscriminatory
basis. However, ESPs cannot justify paying the much higher common
carrier-type access charges for federally tariffed services. Sikes'
position that information providers look to the states for ONA features
and functions is troublesome because national information service
providers such as CompuServe need nation-wide uniformity in the
telecommunications services they use.
As far as any blurring of the distinction between carriers and ESPs,
historically ESPs have been treated as end users not subject to carrier
access charges. Sikes' comments suggest that ESPs will be treated like
carriers for application of carrier access charges under new federally
tariffed services. Thus, rather than ensuring that ONA benefits ESPs as
originally intended and treats them fairly, this approach would force
the ESPs to accept the higher access charges imposed by the carriers.
It is important to note that the recent remarks of Commissioner Barrett
are not the primary impetus for CompuServe's FCCgram program. The main
reason is the decision pending before the FCC in CC Docket No. 89-79
relating to the pricing of future service arrangements under the ONA
program. Nonetheless, Barrett's comments are relevant to this point
since he states that the access charge issue should be -- and is likely
to be --reviewed by the FCC. Thus, CompuServe feels it is important
that members continue to make their voices heard in an effort to get
legislation passed to address this issue, at the same time that
CompuServe and other ESPs continue to urge the FCC to grant their
pending petitions for reconsideration.
UPDATE
The FCC has taken some action to reconsider some aspects of the access
charge pricing issue within its Open Network Architecture proceedings.
Here's a copy of the press release from the FCC:
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS SOLICITED WITH RESPECT TO ISSUES RAISED IN PETITIONS
FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE PART 69/ONA ORDER CC DOCKET 89-79
Released: August 14, 1992
On July 16, 1992, the Commission adopted a Memorandum Opinion & Order on
Second Further Reconsideration, FCC 92-325, released Aug. 6, 1992. That
decision addressed the Docket 87-313 price cap new services test issues
raised in petitions for reconsideration of the Part 69/ONA Order, 6 FCC
Rcd 4524 (1991). It did not address the other issues raised in the
petitions for reconsideration of the Part 69/ONA Order. These issues
include the pricing standard for basic service elements (BSEs), the
elimination of bundled feature groups, and maintenance of the status quo
with respect to access charge treatment of enhanced service providers
(ESPs). Before acting on the remaining issues raised by the petitions
for reconsideration, we give parties an opportunity to update the record
in light of intervening events, such as the effectiveness of federal ONA
tariffs.
Interested parties should file comments on the request by September 30,
1992, and reply comments by October 30, 1992, with the Secretary, FCC,
1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. A copy should also be
sent to Mark S. Nadel, Common Carrier Bureau, FCC, Room 544, 1919 M St.,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554, and to the Commission's contractor for
public service records duplication: Downtown Copy Center, 1114 21st
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Copies of the petitions can be
obtained from the Downtown Copy Center at (202) 452-1422.
We will treat this proceeding as non-restricted for purposes of the
Commission's ex parte rules. See generally, 47 C.F.R. 1.1200-1.1216.
For further information contact Mark Nadel, Policy and Program Planning
Division of the Common Carrier Bureau, at (202) 632-6363.
| | | ATARIWATCH CALENDAR 1992-1993
| | | Schedule of Shows and Events
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
/// October 4th
The Washtenaw Atari Users Group (WAUG) will sponsor Atari ShowOFF '92 in
Southfield, Michigan as part of a larger trade show, The Michigan
Computer Festival, which will include IBM, Macintosh, Commodore, and
Atari hardware & Software Items. Atari dealers and music stores have
committed to attend the show, as have Atari users groups from Michigan,
Ohio, and Ontario. They plan to make an impression on the other-brand
visitors. Up to 3,000 people are expected Sunday, October 4 from 10 til
4 at the Southfield Civic Center, on Evergreen between 10 Mile Rd. and
11 Mile Rd., just off the I-696 exit in the Northwest suburban Detroit
area. Contact WAUG at (313) 971-6035 or (313) 451-0524 (BBS).
/// October 10th-11th
The Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts are currently planning
the 1992 W.A.A.C.E Atarifest, which has traditionally been the largest
East coast Atari show. The '92 event will be held on
Columbus Day
weekend, October 10th and 11th, once again at the Sheraton Reston hotel
in Reston, Virginia. The show will feature shopping bargains,
demonstrations, tutorials, seminars, and social events. The 1990 and
1991 editions of the show attracted 2,000 visitors. Charles Hoffmann is
now Acting President of WAACE Inc., and can be contacted via GEnie at
address S.HOFFMANN, by phone at 703-569-6734, or by US Mail at 5908
Bayshire Road, Springfield, VA 22152-1146.
/// October 24
The Houston Atari Safari at the Houston Marriott Astrodome, 2100 South
Braeswood. Guest Speakers include Bob Brodie, CodeHeads and Double
Click Software. Arrangements have been made with the Marriott Astrodome
for a special room rate for Atari Safari Attendees. The normal room
rate is $79.00. Make your room reservations by October 12th and
identify yourself as an Houston Atari Safari attendee and you will
qualify for the show rate of $59.00. Reservations can be made by
calling the Marriott at 713-797-9000 or calling the national Marriott
number of 800-228-9290. For more informationand times call Bill Kithas
713-855-0815 or Harold Gailey 713-988-3712.
/// November 16th-20th
Fall COMDEX, the biggest computer trade show in the USA. Atari will
again have a major presence at the Las Vegas, Nevada show. The Falcon
line of computer is expected to dominate the Atari booth, with
outstanding demonstrations for the dealer and distributor attendees to
consider.
/// January 1993
The Winter Consumer Electronics Show comes to Las Vegas, Nevada. CES is
an electronic playground, with everything in the way of high tech toys
for kids and adults. Game consoles and hand-held entertainment items
like the Atari Lynx are big here, and Atari will attend with a hotel
suite showroom. Contact Atari Corp for more information on seeing their
display at 408-745-2000.
/// February 1993
NAMM is the largest conclave of musicians each year. Held in Los
Angeles at the Anaheim Convention Center, the variety of sights at the
National Association of Music Merchandisers is wilder than at
Disneyland, just next door. Atari was the first computer manufacturer
to ever display at NAMM in 1987, and has become a standard at the shows.
A trade show for music stores, distributors, and professionals of every
strata, entertainers are seen everywhere at NAMM. Contact James Grunke
at Atari Corp for more information at 408-745-2000.
/// March 1993
CeBIT, the world's largest computer show with 5,000 exhibitors in 20
halls, is held annually in Hannover, Germany. Atari traditionally
struts its newest wares there, usually before it's seen in the USA or
anywhere else. In '93, the Atari 040 machines should be premiering, and
this is the likely venue. Third party developers also use this show to
introduce new hardware and software, so expect a wave of news from CeBIT
every year. Atari Corp and the IAAD coordinate cross-oceanic contacts
to promote worldwide marketing of Atari products, and this show is an
annual touchstone of that effort. Contact Bill Rehbock at Atari Corp
for information at 408-745-2000.
/// September 18th-19th, 1993
The Glendale Show returns with the Southern California Atari Computer
Faire, V.7.0, in suburban Los Angeles, California. This has been the
year's largest domestic Atari event, year after year. Contact John King
Tarpinian at the user group HACKS at 818-246-7286 for information.
| | | GENIE: FLOW CONTROL
| | | Compiled by Ed Krimen
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
Some messages may have been edited for correct spelling, grammar, and
irrelevant material.
TT IN DEMAND
------------
-=> In the "Flaming - Debating - Discussions - Rumors" category (18)
-=> from the "Atari systems vs Other systems" topic (22)
Message 45 Tue Sep 29, 1992
S.WINICK at 06:36 EDT
Actually, TT030 demand is higher now than ever. The TT030 in fact was
our best selling Atari system last month, and is running well ahead of
the Mega STe this month as well. With only a few MegaSTe's left in
stock, I fully expect the TT030 to remain our best selling machine at
least until an entry level product a little more enticing than the
1040STe arrives (can you say "Falcon" ;-).
But lets clarify one point yet one more time. Atari's initial model
Falcon030 is N-O-T in competition with the TT030, and will N-O-T replace
it as Atari's high end professional workstation. The TT030 is a much
more powerful package for most high-end professional applications. It
offers features and conveniences that are simply not available on the
Falcon.
The Falcon030 is an excellent and exciting entry-level consumer product
that will hopefully generate as much interest as Atari's original ST
line when they were first introduced.
Don't try to read anything sinister into Atari actually having stock
available on a certain product. I realize that can frequently be an
unusual situation, but it really does happen on occassion.... ;-]
And yes, Atari has indeed dropped the prices dramatically on the TT030's
RAM expansion boards. They conducted a survey of dealers (yes, they
also really talk to us on occassion) and after analyzing current market
pricing for RAM, determined that their RAM board prices were indeed out
of line and making the TT030 uncompetitive in today's marketplace. They
also made a slight adjustment in the price of the base machine as well
to compensate for competitors' recent price reductions, making the TT030
extremely competitive pricewise; feature-wise, it eats the competition
for lunch!! ;-]
Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
========================================
FALCON ON PCTV LIVE!
--------------------
-=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
-=> from the "Atari Falcon 030 Computer" topic (20)
Message 188 Sat Sep 26, 1992
AD-VANTAGE at 18:56 EDT
I just caught Bill Rehbock and the Falcon in a segment of "PC TV Live"!
The piece was very positive with Bill describing market targets, showing
the new desktop and demoing some of the audio software included with the
Falcon -- very impressive. He even plugged Playboy Germany stating they
use an Atari DTP package to publish the magazine. :-)
The moderator gave me the impression he would have liked to have shown
more (so do I) but they ran out of time. Bill and the Falcon did a fine
job!
-- Ron
----------
Message 189 Sat Sep 26, 1992
K.HOUSER [Kevin MQ Def] at 19:35 EDT
So where can one get "PC TV"? I've never seen any shows like that. Is
it on PBS?
--Kevin
----------
Message 192 Sat Sep 26, 1992
AD-VANTAGE at 22:46 EDT
"PC TV" is shown on the MEU (Mind Extension University) cable channel in
my area, though I understand some PBS stations pick the show up. I
believe one of the PC magazines produces the show.
Bill mentioned PC emulation capability was a $150 add-on and emphasized
it was hardware (not software) emulation -- no 486SX comments as far as
I recall.
-- Ron
========================================
FALCON UNVEILING AT BCS
-----------------------
-=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
-=> from the "Atari Falcon 030 Computer" topic (20)
Message 195 Sun Sep 27, 1992
R.LUCKEY [FALCON-MAD!] at 04:58 EDT
I was present at both days the Falcon was shown at the BCS (the big
official "unveiling" and the ST SIG meeting the next night), and am
EXTREMELY enthusiastic about the machine and the possibilities it offers
to developers with fertile imaginations. The new hardware *REALLY*
expands the capabilities of our favorite computer. The real-time Tina
Turner video played off the hard disk was stunning: full motion video in
the center of the screen, while selected still images were repeatedly
blitted around the border at breakneck speed, while CD quality audio was
playing! What a toy! Wowie Zowie!
Bill Rehbock mentioned that the audio capabilities of the DSP can be
exploited to produce a synthesizer which out-performs the DX-7, and
apparently Atari is considering bundling that software (when it is
finished) with the Falcon!!
And get this: the machine should also be able to be used as a low-cost
video phone (!!!), an application that I think Bill said may be ready to
show at the next Comdex!
For us boring business users, Atari is developing a MS Works-type
integrated application. It reads Excel files, and lets you do
ridiculous things like add voice annotations to cells! Nice going, guys!
It's obvious to me that with the regular ST software continuing to
mature as it is (at THIS point mainly from European developers), and
with all the possibilities that the new machine brings I'll have very
little to complain about, unless it's that my IBM or Mac buddies who
haven't seen what the Falcon can do may THINK my cute little machine is
just a toy. Remember, the present Falcon is the *BOTTOM END* of a
projected line of new machines. And with the emulation capabilities, if
we really need to use DOS or Mac software, we can. No, the whole world
isn't going to dump all their clones and Macs and come running to Atari,
but I'm sure this new hardware is going to get enough developers excited
about working on it that we'll see lots of really great applications
coming out in the next year. It has incredible potential. How fully
that potential blossoms is going to depend largely on how the marketing
is done, on dealer development and maybe on production capabilities, (in
my opinion). But regardless of how many OTHER people end up purchasing
one, I'm sure the people that DO buy one will have a ball, and I intend
to be one of them!
Wouldn't it be nice to see these babies really take off? Yeah.....
========================================
THE CARTMASTER
--------------
-=> In the "User Groups and Shows" category (11)
-=> from "The Northern CA Atari Expo" topic (11)
Message 20 Mon Sep 28, 1992
J.EIDSVOOG1 [CodeHead] at 03:14 EDT
C.Rose, The Cartmaster is the device you are looking for. It allows you
to switch between up to four different cartridge devices. It may have
been sold at the Best Electronics booth, but the company that makes it
is:
Wizztronics (516) 473-2507
P.O. Box 122
Port Jeff Sta., NY 11776
I have one and it works as advertised.
John
========================================
FALCON VERSUS PERFORMA
----------------------
-=> In the "Flaming - Debating - Discussions - Rumors" category (18)
-=> from the "Atari systems vs Other systems" topic (22)
Message 40 Mon Sep 28, 1992
S.DANUSER [Soul Manager] at 03:08 EDT
There has been some hubbub about the new Macs beating the Falcon in
terms of performance and price. The following Montgomery Ward ad was in
today's paper:
Apple Macintosh Performa 400 Computer
4 mb RAM
80 mb hard drive with 512K VRAM
16 mhz 68030 microprocessor
includes Clarisworks & AT EASE
Apple Macintosh Performa 14" Color Display Monitor
.39 dot pitch
The computer's sale price of $1449 does not include the monitor (sale
priced at $329).
If this is the Mac model that's supposed to compete with the Falcon,
then Atari doesn't come off too badly. With the 4/65 model listing at
$1399, the video and sound hardware of the Falcon makes a far better
value. Keep in mind that Atari is also bundling software with their
machine, which includes the sound stuff, a database, and a couple games.
If they threw in a halfway decent word processor (they do own WordUp,
after all), they'd have a killer package.
Yes, street prices will be lower for the Mac, but the same holds true
for the Falcon (when there are actually some on the street).
Just offering some perspective.
Soul Manager
========================================
THE LAST ST USER WITHOUT A HARD DRIVE
-------------------------------------
-=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
-=> from the "Hard Disk Information" topic (9)
Message 59 Tue Sep 29, 1992
R.KOHORN at 00:38 EDT
I have the feeling that I am the last ST user who doesn't have a hard
drive (embarassing to admit). However, now I think the time has come to
take the plunge. But I am ingorant!! I admit it!! This is what I want
to know. With the new LINK device, can I buy ANY SCSI hard drive and
use it with my 1040 (unmodified - another confession!) and tos 1.0 and
then later use it with a Falcon? Also, can I boot with any hard drive
or is my computer unable to boot off anything other than drive A.
Thanks in advance.
Ron
----------
Message 61 Tue Sep 29, 1992
S.WINICK at 06:30 EDT
Ron, You really should at least upgrade the TOS in your trusty 'ol 1040
to TOS1.02 or 1.04 if nothing else. TOS 1.0 was REALLY slow at most
everything. You might even be able to find a used set of 1.02 or 1.04
at a very reasonable price for someone who has upgraded to a newer
version.
But your 1040 should work just fine with a hard drive anyway (those disk
reads and writes will definitely be a lot faster with a newer version of
TOS though). With ICD's Link Host Adapter, any standard SCSI drive can
indeed be used with your 1040 connected to the DMA (ACSI) port. For use
as a true SCSI device with a TT030 or Falcon, merely replace the Link
and ACSI cable with a true SCSI cable and you're in business. Both
machines do use different cables though, so be sure to get the correct
one at the appropriate time.
You will be able to boot the system from your new hard drive just fine.
Several online dealers make their own line of external hard drives,
myself included. Contact any of us you desire in E-mail if you'd like
additional information or specific pricing.
Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
========================================
NO FALCON PDS?
--------------
-=> In the "Hardware" category (4)
-=> from the "TURBO16-30 from Fast Technology" topic (11)
Message 29 Sat Sep 26, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 20:40 EDT
While we're at it, the Falcon does NOT have a PDS..."Processor Direct
Slot"... as Atari has eluded to, and I'm quite disappointed in that
too. There is an expansion connector, but it mimics the 68000 chip, was
designed to make ATSpeed installation easier, and is NOT suited for
accelerators...and the Falcon is a putt putt on top of it all.
Just when I get to think that Atari may have wised up, they refresh my
memory.
========================================
SUPRA ROM UPGRADE INFO
----------------------
-=> In the "Telecommunications" category (8)
-=> from the "High Speed Modem Help" topic (10)
Message 155 Sat Sep 26, 1992
SUPRATECH at 18:19 EDT
>> Supra LED crash when hanging up
You need to order the new roms, which fix this problem. The problem is
that the modem has several processors and tasks that are running at the
same time. We found that under certain DTR toggle times, the modem
would lockup, as one routine was waiting for another running routine to
erase a flag. The 1.2H/J roms fix this problem. We have sent upgrade
notices to all US customers. If you sent in your registration card,
then you should be receiving this soon. If you did not, or you want the
roms sooner, you can order them by calling our BBS (503-967-2444).
There are 2 sets of roms, one is free and the other one has caller id
for 19.95+5 blue shipping.
If you would like, I can ULed a file explaing the new features/
enhancements.
Mark
========================================
USED SYSTEMS
------------
-=> In the "Items for Sale - New or Used" category (27)
-=> from the "ST Hardware for sale!" topic (2)
Message 201 Mon Sep 28, 1992
S.SCHAPER [Meneldil] at 23:43 EDT
Why are people selling old used systems for more than a new Falcon?
----------
Message 202 Tue Sep 29, 1992
REALM [Joey] at 00:44 EDT
You can't buy a Falcon yet...:-) The TT is still better suited for
several applications such as DTP and CADD work. Some people would
rather buy a $800 STe package with a Hard Drive, Monitor and Software
over a base Falcon for $799. Just because the Falcon is scheduled for
release doesn't make the other systems any less useful. Most of its
features won't improve word processing, inventory, databases,
spreadsheets or accounting-type applications, etc. They can all be done
just as well on a mono STe for half the price.
Now if someone where selling the STe for $800 by itself then I would
have to wonder.:-) But most everything I've seen are complete systems.
Plus you can ask whatever you want, doesn't mean you'll get it.:-)
========================================
| | | EIDSVOOG IN CONFERENCE ON GENIE
| | | Re-edit by Ron Kovacs
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
Monday Night Round Table Conference
Host - Lou Rocha Sept. 28, 1992
Guest Speaker - John Eidsvoog, CodeHead Technologies
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
Our guest tonight is John Eidsvoog of CodeHead Technologies. John is
going to allow discussion on ANY CodeHead products so get your questions
ready.
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Ok, thanks for coming everyone. We'll try not to bore anyone with
things you're not interested in so feel free to ask question about any
product, but bear in mind that I may not answer the question if it's not
one of ours. <grin> Fire away.
<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN>
Can you explain your postscript support for AV and can type 1 fonts be
used? Gradient fills available?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Avant Vector will import EPS files Encapulated PostScript, that is. It
seems to do quite a good job of covering most variations of EPS files
but there's no program I know of on any platform that can truly handle
everything that's thrown at it. For one thing, AV will not do color...
another thing is that it treats gradient fills in the same way that
Outline Art does... It turns the gradient into a series of areas of
different intensity. This is a less-than-desirable method of handling
it, but that's the way that it works.
We are beta testing a new version of Avant Vector called Avant Font. It
loads many (or most) type-1 fonts and allows editing and saving in
Calamus CFN format. We don't yet know when the release date will be for
Avant Font, but it looks pretty good so far.
<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN>
Can't save as Adobe type 1?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
No, unfortunately. (I don't think). I may be wrong.
<[Olivo] O.CONTRERAS1>
Is it possible to write Extend-O-Save modules in anything other than
assembly language? C or Pascal would be nice.
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
We are currently working on a module to do just that. That is, we think
that we can do C, but currently have no plans for Pascal.
The C package will come with an .O file which will be linked in with
your C code. All you'll have to do is write about 3-5 routines and link
them in (without INIT.O). We're also looking into making it possible
for GFA too, but that might not be possible.
<[Olivo] O.CONTRERAS1>
Are there any specific brands of C that you're going to support? When
do you plan on releasing the new module?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
I got a good start on the C module the other day, but haven't had a
chance to finish it yet. It should work with any C dev system, since
the .O file will be in standard Alcyon linkable format. The routines
will be very simple. One each for kick-in, kick-out, periodic, and an
optional routine for configuration.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Thanks Olivo. John, can you tell us about CodeHead
plans for WAACE? Anything special coming up?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Well, I've been trying very hard to finish MIDI Spy, which has been
hanging over my head for ages now. I'm still not sure if I'll make it.
Unfortunately, Charles won't be there. He's going to be on tour at the
time. Tomas will be there with me. We will probably have a pretty good
price on Calligrapher but it's not set yet.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
I am very very impressed with Megapaint. Do you have plans for a future
upgrade?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
We're also very impressed with MegaPaint, but it doesn't look like it
will have a very good future. The sales of MegaPaint have been quite
pitiful. One of the reasons is that the German exporter has set the
price too high for us to discount it sufficiently for dealers. Another
reason is that it is monochrome only and these days people are moving
more and more to color. I've expressed these concerns to Tommy
Software, but they are not too interested in continuing development on
the ST version. It's a shame because MegaPaint is one of our most-used
tools in-house. We couldn't get along without it. Only a select few
really will ever know the true power of MegaPaint.
<[Olivo] O.CONTRERAS1>
Did you ever come up with Calligrapher Lite? I saw it listed in a
catalog for $49. I thought only Gold and Pro were available.
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
We will not be offering Calligrapher Lite (unless something changes).
Currently, Lite is already being marketed through Atari UK and Atari US.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
John, what are you planning to demo at WAACE?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Well...we don't really have anything special planned. Our usual demos
these days at shows are done on a TT with a high res screen. We
specialize in showing Calligrapher, MegaPaint, Avant Vector, Genus, etc.
One thing that I've enjoyed doing is having someone print the alphabet
in their block printing. We then scan it with MegaPaint, auto-trace it
with Avant Vector, load each object into Genus and create a Calamus
font. It's really interesting to be able to type into Calamus and see
your own manuscript appear.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
John, I asked you last week about the Falcon... What do you HOPE it
will do for the developers?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
The best way the Falcon can help the developers is to be mass produced
so that there are enough potential customers for developers to be able
to invest their resources in the development of new and exciting
products. I know that's what WE'RE hoping for anyway.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
Do you have any comment or reaction to the rollout at the Boston
Computer Society? I hear it went well but to a smallish crowd. Even
Sam was there...
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
It sounded like the BCS rollout was a local success but what is really
needed is some wide exposure such as would provided by a major review in
Byte Magazine. Let's hope the Atari people are doing their homework
along these lines.
<[Network 23] R.MARTIN22>
WOW! It's incredible that it's that easy to make your own fonts! Back
to E-O-S, you requested module ideas... I'd like one that segments the
screen to blocks, removes one, and shuffles the remaining blocks around.
I guess you can tell I'm really looking forward to E-O-S! ;-)
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Yes Rod, That's one of the modules I've thought about doing also. I
have a few different module screensavers for the PC and there are a lot
of good ones already written for Windows. Too bad we can't obtain some
of the source code <grin>.
<[chris] DRAGONWARE>
John can Extend-o-Save park the Stacy and turn off the backlight?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
I got your mesage from your phone call the other day. It would
definitely be possible to do such a module. There is no existing code
in Warp 9 to handle this, but it could be done in a module. I don't
think there's been any documentation on turning off the Stacy's
backlight but if I can obtain it, I'll give it a shot. The hard drive
parking code is already in HotSaver and would be simple.
<[Quiet Mike] M.ALLEN14>
Hi John, I would like to see some more extensive source code examples
for E-O-S. For example moving an object around the screen. <I'm
twitching awaiting my W9 upgrade.> My first ST programming effort may
be an E-O-S module.
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Well, as for moving things around the screen code for implementing such
a thing would not be specific to Warp 9 although there are some
restrictions to what can be done during the vertical blank (when the
routine is called). One nice thing about Extendo being in Warp 9 is
that the VDI calls handled by Warp 9 can be called even though it would
not normally be safe to make normal VDI calls from an interrrupt.
<[Quiet Mike] M.ALLEN14>
Is there a list of VDI call handled by W9? Did you get my XXXL T-shirt
order <grin> ga.
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
I'm embarassed to say that I've haven't read the entire developers docs
that Charles prepared. I'm not sure if it lists the VDI calls that are
safe or not. Basically, if you try something and it doesn't crash, it
should be OK. I got your shirt order and left you E-Mail about it today.
<E.GOODMAN1>
This question may have been asked (I just joined) but do you know if
there will be access through GFA Basic?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
We're working on that. I'm not sure if we'll be able to pull it off or
not. It would involve just writing a few PROCEDURES without linking
them into GFA's startup code. We'll know soon if it will work. I
suspect that it will work as long as you stay away from some of the
internal GFA calls.
<[Rob] R.QUANCE>
John, have you seen any software that you would like to distribute along
the lines of Corel Draw? With the new graphic formats available
(Falcon), it would be a nice addition the the Codehead line.
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
So far, I'm not aware of anything along those lines. There is allegedly
some very exciting software coming from Germany. Unfortunately, I
didn't go to Duesseldorf this year, although I don't think that the
software was very far along in the short time they had access to the
Falcon machines.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
Rob, are you talking about EPS output?
<[Rob] R.QUANCE>
Corel does have EPS (color) as well...
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
One more thing I'm sure that a Corel-type program on the Falcon could
run rings around that slow Corel dog under Windows.
<[Fred nelson] N5424>
Been out of town for three weeks. When I got back I see the new Warp9
upgrade. Put my disk and check in the mail tonight!
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Great, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. We hope to have more modules available
soon, but there are only so many hours in the day.
<[Olivo] O.CONTRERAS1>
Will you be uploading new modules here or offering them for sale?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
So far, our plans are to release all modules for free, although it's
possible that a module might come along that is unique and powerful
enough to warrant a purchase price. I doubt it, though.
<[Olivo] O.CONTRERAS1>
I'm dying to see a flying toasters module! Have you or anyone else
written one?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Flying toaster! Everyone wants flying toasters. <grin>....
Well, certain things that can be done on the Mac and Windows are more
difficult under GEM because Extendo must operate from within an
interrupt when there are major restrictions on the types of calls that
can be made. For instance, a module daren't do any disk access. This
makes it difficult to write a module or module manager that would allow
random modules to be called.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Can I ask if you are aware of any plans by the
International Association of Atari Developers to help Atari Corp with
the Falcon campaign? Does IAAD ever offer advice to Atari Corp?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Well, we do have plenty of advice both privately, and among ourselves
although it seems that most of it doesn't make it to Atari.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
John, we have a couple of other developers here tonight. Mind sharing
the podium on this question?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Maybe Dorothy can shed some light on this question. Or perhaps Jim.
Speak up, friends.
<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE>
Yes, we do. I'm glad you asked. I hope Atari does. I'm looking
forward to supporting hundreds of thousands of Falcons any minute now.
<J.ALLEN27>
The Falcon is a VERY different computer, it's not a new generation ST,
it is aimed at a much different market, and requires a different set of
support SW. So the sky's the limit on what might be done, and where the
opportunities are.
<[Ringo] LEXICOR2>
It would be nice if ATARI had a private meeting with all developers and
dealers so that a proper plan can be made.
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
There's a bright future on the other side of the curtain. All they need
to do is open the drapes and let the light in.
<[Lou] L.ROCHA1>
OK Thanks Dev's. John Eidsvoog, thanks for coming by tonight. Would you
like to wrap things up for us?
<[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1>
OK. In spite of the havoc we just had in trying to make our point, I'd
like to point out that the developers are all excited about the
possibilities presented by the impending release of the Falcon.
There are some excellent opportunities available right around the corner
and the ball is in the Tramiel court. Let's hope there's not a fumble
(to mix metaphors).
Thanks for coming folks, and thanks for your interest and support of
CodeHead Technologies products.
| | | GENIE RT NEWS
| | | ST RT By John Hartman, HOSB by J. Attard
| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------
= SHOWS =
Beginning Friday Evening, October 9th, Atari users from all up and down
the eastern seaboard will gather in Reston, Va for the 9th edition of
WAACE AtariFest. Make your plans now to be part of the fun. Check
Category 11, Topic 9 for particulars on room rates, admission prices,
and other special features or download library file number 25886 titled
WAACE92.LZH for complete details.
= DARLAH'S TREAT OF THE MONTH =
Look for a new "Darlah's Treat of the Month" on page 475, Option #9
coming soon. Remember.......this file is FREE........yes........FREE.
= REALTIME CONFERENCE =
|=====================================================|
| Real Time Conference Special Events Calendar |
|=====================================================|
| Oct. 5 - Dan Wilga and Rick Flashman from GRIBNIF |
| (Monday) will discuss Arabesque, Convector and |
| their other fine products. |
|=====================================================|
= Atari ST Help Desk =
Atari ST Roundtable holds a Sunday Help Desk to answer your questions
on GEnie, Atari ST Roundtable and the line of Atari computers. Stop in
and ask questions or just visit the Atari RT staff and users. The Help
Desk starts at 7:00 pm EST Sunday on page 475;2.
= LIBRARY =
Last Week's Top Downloaded Programs/Utilities:
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25871 P_DOS1_2.LZH X DRAGONWARE 920926 22144 226 21
25881 BACKCOPY.LZH X DRAGONWARE 920926 3584 159 21
25877 SILKM206.ARC X M.SLAGELL 920926 22912 155 2
25804 MEHRCPXE.LZH X W.DOHMSTREIC 920919 25216 155 2
25856 PDOSPIPE.LZH X DRAGONWARE 920924 2048 131 21
25842 W9372UPD.LZH X CODEHEAD 920922 78464 108 2
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Last Week's New Demos:
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25926 DESKMSTR.LZH X E.GOODMAN1 920928 35200 17 10
25830 OBURSTDM.ARC X F.PAWLOWSKI 920920 33280 113 10
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New in the HOSB
Looking for ideas to start or grow your business? Find the help you
need in the Home Office/Small Business RoundTable today. Here's a brief
look at some areas you might want to check out
NEW IN THE *HOSB BULLETIN BOARD
Are you trying to market your products or services on a shoestring?
We've just started a new category to help you save money by avoiding
costly advertising and marketing mistakes. The category, called the
Online Advertising and Publicity Workshop, is category 14. It is your
place to ask for and get feedback about ads, brochures, sales letters,
publicity releases, etc. before you pay to have them printed and mailed
or published. Please see category 14, topic 1 for information. (Type
SET 14 [return] then type READ 1)
For additional help in sales, marketing and advertising, see Category 6.
If you need information about US mail regulations for bulk mail, want to
exchange tips with other people in mail order businesses, add Category
28 to your list of topics to read.
If you haven't been to the *HOSB bulletin board for a while, be sure to
get an index to see what is under discussion. We have topics on
everything from garage manufacturing to copyright and patent laws, to
taxes, insurance, industrial engineering, selling shareware, making
money in word processing, getting merchant status, retailing, selling at
flea markets and lots more.
GET A FREE HOUR IN THE HOSB LIBRARY OR RTC
As part of the VOYAGER promotion advertised in Live Wire's September/
October issue, you can get one free hour in the HOSB by copying down the
phrase of the day (posted on the HOSB menu on page 370) and sending it
to GEnie on the coupon printed on page 17 of the September/October issue
of Live Wire magazine. Don't miss this opportunity to get ONE FREE HOUR
to explore the HOSB library or see what being at a live conference is
all about! You must visit the HOSB by October 31 and write down the
phrase of the day and the date to qualify. Do it today, before you
forget!
NEW IN THE HOSB LIBRARY
As usual, we have dozens and dozens of new files in the HOSB library.
Here are just a few text files you may find of interest:
3665 INTERVIEW.ASCII (How to interview job prospects)
3673 FCCTELM.TXT (FCC regulations for telemarketing and junk fax)
3675 OCRSCAN.TXT (contains samples showing the results of OCR scanning)
In addition, you will find many, many topnotch shareware programs in the
HOSB library that will help you run your business more efficiently. For
a list of all files in the HOSB with short description, download file
#3663 ALLFILES.ZIP (requires an unzipping program to open). We will be
uploading an ASCII text file for those who can't open zip files.
BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY KEEPS GROWING
There are now over 3,000 small businesses and more than 1,000 government
offices and contacts of interest to small businesses listed in the
Business Resource Directory. You can also find resumes from computer-
literate propective job candidates in many field. Get your listing in
the Directory today and remember to use it to locate resources,
subcontractors and suppliers when you need them, too! The Business
Resource Directory is located on page 375.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To sign up for GEnie service call (with modem) (800) 638-8369. Upon
connection type HHH and hit <return>. Wait for the U#= prompt and type
XTX99436,GEnie and hit <return>.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To sign up for CompuServe service call (with phone) (800) 848-8199. Ask
for operator #198. You will be promptly sent a $15.00 free membership
kit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you'd like further information or would like to join AtariNet, please
contact one of the following via AtariNet or Fido: Bill Scull Fido
1:363/112 AtariNet 51:1/0, Dean Lodzinski Fido 1:107/633 AtariNet 51:4/0
Terry May Fido 1:209/745 AtariNet 51:2/0, Tony Castorino Fido 1:102/1102
AtariNet 51:3/0, Don Liscombe AtariNet 51:5/0, Daron Brentwood Fido
2:255/402 AtariNet 51:6/0. You can also call the Z*Net News Service at
(908) 968-8148 for more information.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can subscribe to the bi-monthly hard copy Atari Explorer Magazine
for $14.95 for 6 issues, $39.95 for 18 issues. Canadian subscribers
should add $5.00 per 6 issues,foreign subscribers should add $10.00 per
6 issues. Checks must be drawn in US funds on a US bank. Send orders
to Atari Explorer, Post Office Box 6488, Duluth, MN 55806. VISA and
MasterCard orders, call (218) 723-9202.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reprints from the GEnie ST Roundtable are Copyright (c)1992, Atari
Corporation and the GEnie ST RT. Reprints from CompuServe's AtariArts,
AtariPro, AtariVen, or Aportfolio Forums are Copyright (c)1992, CIS.
Reprints from AtariUser Magazine are Copyright(c)1992, Quill Publishing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Atari Explorer Online Magazine is a weekly publication covering the
Atari computer community. Material published in this edition may NOT
be reprinted without written permission, unless otherwise noted in the
article. Opinions presented herein are those of the individual
authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the staff. Atari
Explorer Online Magazine is Copyright (c)1992, Atari Corporation. The
Z*Net Newswire is an independent column and organization not affiliated
with Atari Corp. and is Copyright (c)1992,Z*Net News Service/Ron Kovacs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*Net News Service - Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-
0059. BBS - (908) 968-8148. Voice - (908) 968-2024. Fnet Node 593,
AtariNet Node 51:1/13.0. You can contact Atari direct via Fnet Nodes -
706 or 319 or via AtariNet 51:1/10.0. Z*Net South Pacific - Fnet - 693.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Atari is a registered trademark of Atari Corporation. Atari Falcon030,
TOS, MultiTOS, NewDesk and BLiTTER, are trademarks of Atari Corporation.
All other trademarks mentioned in this publication belong to their
respective owners.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Atari Explorer Online Magazine
"The Official Atari Online Journal"
Copyright (c)1992, Atari Computer Corporation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
